loving kindness Archives

Valentines Day: Cultivate Loving Kindness

Posted by Ellen Sichel on February 12, 2012

Loving Kindness is something that is easy for those we deeply care for, but more challenging for difficult relationships. Our feelings toward others have an impact on our state of mind and how we perceive and react to the world around us. There are times when a loved one is ill and we need a way to get some relief from worry and fear.

Whatever the situation, Loving Kindness is the antidote for all relationships, good or bad.

It needs to be cultivated and the practice of Metta is one powerful practice to help. Metta means friend and gentle, and the practice embodies them both.

It is a meditation that consists of repeating a series of simple phrases with as much presence as possible. There are many phrases that can be used. The key is that you begin with yourself. It is hard to wish for others what you do not want for yourself.

Here are some phrases you can begin with or you can find others that you like better.

May I (he, she or they) be happy.
May I (he, she or they) know peace.
May I (he, she or they) be safe and protected from inner and outer harm.
May I (he, she or they) be free from suffering.

Try this every day for a few minutes and let me know in the comments below how it works.

Tags: difficult relationships, ill loved one, loving kindness, meditation, react, state of mind

Posted in: Technique of the Week

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Kindness to Yourself Helps Others

Posted by Ellen Sichel on March 18, 2011

It was a beautiful day! I decided to walk my dog and as I was passing a house, I saw an agitated family arguing in the driveway. By the time I passed the house, the father was yelling and telling his wife and small children to “shut up.”

Unfortunately this happens in many relationships. And, most of the time, the person who is acting inappropriately does cares about the person he or she is hurting.

All traditions address non-violence and I focus on teaching these principles through Yoga as well.

Ahimsa is a word used in the yoga tradition, and it means non-violence or non- harmfulness in thought and action. Many of us try hard to be kind to others, but somehow our harmful reactions still seep out.

Why? Because if we don’t treat yourselves with loving kindness and if we abuse ourselves, this will impact our relationships with others.

How many times have you made a mistake and berated yourself? How often do you not give yourself time to rest or play? Unless we treat ourselves with kindness, it is difficult to consistently practice non-harmfulness towards others.

How can you treat yourself with kindness today?